PDP Set To Postpone NEC Meeting As Governors Seek Solutions For Damagum’s Exit

[Enioluwa Adeniyi]

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is poised to postpone its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally slated for October 24.​

This decision aims to provide governors with the necessary time to agree on political solutions that would facilitate the exit of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.

Multiple high-ranking members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke on the condition of anonymity with Punch, indicated that the postponement would allow governors to address the recent factional tensions within the party.

They are also expected to gather resources for Damagum’s compensation as part of the negotiation for his departure.

Since taking on the role of acting National Chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Damagum has faced mounting criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing crisis within the PDP.

His perceived indecisiveness has further exacerbated tensions in Rivers State, particularly between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In a surprising turn of events on Friday, Damagum’s faction of the NWC announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) for alleged insubordination and detrimental actions against the party.

Shortly thereafter, Ologunagba countered by stating that the NWC had suspended Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu for disloyalty, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman.

However, on Tuesday, PDP Governors Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, declared that the internal conflicts had been resolved, leading to the lifting of suspensions and a return to the status quo under Damagum.

Sources have revealed that the Bauchi governor met with Damagum, Ologunagba, and Ajibade, urging them to set aside their differences and prioritize peace by adhering to the directives of the party’s leadership.

A source disclosed, “The governors were very angry about the factional crisis, feeling that the discord further portrayed the PDP in a negative light. With different governors backing separate factions, they opted for political solutions.

“They directed that all suspensions be lifted while seeking urgent political solutions, including financial compensation and a possible PDP ticket for any elective position in Borno to ease Damagum’s departure from the party.

“As it stands, the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24 will be postponed because the governors want to reduce tensions. It’s clear that going into a NEC meeting under these circumstances would not end well, so they will delay it to resolve all issues delaying Damagum’s removal.

“Once they address all legal matters through political means, they will then compensate Damagum to facilitate his resignation and allow for the nomination of a substantive National Chairman from the North Central, subject to NEC approval.

“When they clarify matters with all stakeholders, accommodate critical interests, and resolve the Damagum issue politically, they will then summon the NEC. The new date will be announced once their plans are finalised.”

On the new date for the NEC, the source replied, “No one can say when it will be. The meetings scheduled for the next few days will determine that.”

He added, “The encouraging news is that almost all PDP governors have agreed to use political means to compensate Damagum and facilitate his departure from the PDP. In fact, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has promised to convene a North Central Zonal Executive Committee meeting to propose an acceptable name ahead of the new NEC date.

“They also agreed that in addition to the North Central nominating Damagum’s replacement, the nominee must be acceptable to party leaders in the North and all PDP governors. If consensus cannot be reached, NEC members may have to vote on that day.”

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